The Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters (RMPAP) recently announced that Wild Spirit Gallery has been selected to host the organization’s 10th anniversary national show.

“We’re thrilled to host this prestigious event,” said Madeline Lyon, gallery owner. “This annual Show attracts artists and art enthusiasts from around the world. The artists will create all-new, never before seen paintings ‘en plein aire’ of the beautiful Pagosa area. I can only imagine the gorgeous pieces that will be created that week.”

The event will run from July 27 to Aug. 7.

The Gallery plans to invest close to $10,000 to host the event. In addition, the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (CDC), led by Steve Vassallo, has committed to raise $5,000 through sponsorships.

“We’re thrilled that the CDC is supporting this show,” said Lyon. “This is the type of event that will put Pagosa on the map as an international visual arts destination.”

Do ‘Something Different’

While the Gallery and CDC have joined forces to ensure a spectacular event, funds still need to be raised for hospitality, promotion and other expenses.

To help raise these funds, the CDC will host “Something Different” on Saturday, April 2, at The Pagosa Lodge. “Something Different” will be a fantastic Broadway-themed party featuring Victoria Liljenquist and Joseph Portal singing Broadway show tunes. Guests will be treated to a prime rib dinner, silent auction, door prizes and more. Tickets prices are $40 per person and $75 per couple.

“We’re thankful to CDC for hosting this fundraiser,” said Lyon. “RMPAP has been known to return for a second, and sometimes a third year to the same location. By raising these funds and hosting this show, we’re not only investing in this spectacular event, we’re investing in the town of Pagosa Springs.”

For examples of RMPAP work, visit Wild Spirit Gallery, which shows the works of three RMPAP members — Robert Hagberg, John Potter and Dave Santillanes. For more information about RMPAP, the national show, and the “Something Different” fundraiser, visit www.wildspiritgallerycom and www.rmpap.org.

Tickets for “Something Different” are available at Wild Spirit Gallery and will soon be available online.